I am going to keep notes on line from everything I learn
about appliqué from the Lady Janes of Hadley quilting group and the new
(TAS) Applique Society group that is hopefully forming. I am
finding I am learning something new in each session. I am keeping my
notes on line as a running journal. I also realize this is the only way I
can keep the notations without loosing the information in my messy sewing room.
It would be hard to loose my computer.
October 14th:
Sylvia came to the Lady Janes of Hadley session.
Once again I was the only other one there, but we persist, one of these
days more ladies will come. The upside is Sylvia gave me private
lessons for her appliqué techniques. I learned the correct way to
hold the piece I was appliquéing. ( I had been holding my applique upside down
with my thumb not holding my applique correctly. See the photos. ) She
also showed me how to make freezer paper templates, so my pieces will be crisper
and more nicely formed. Kaye, Sylvia and I also discussed various
notions and equipment that we enjoy. We also had Blueberry Buckle Coffee
Cake.
Recommended notions:
straw needles,
sizing instead of spray starch
using wet toothpicks to turn the applique when it is
stubborn
freezer paper applique templates
Kaye says she has a recipe for a wash solution that
takes out pencil markings.... She promises to email them to me. I will
post it when I get in. I also plan to test it out.
Mechanical pencils make the best, smallest marking
lines for placement.
Silk 50 weight thread is superior for applique.
Use a neutral color ( taupe, light grey ) if you can not afford to purchase
a color that matches your applique piece. ( Red for red fabric, Green
thread for green fabric etc.)
Method for making Freezer Paper applique templates
Print out pattern from Dear Jane cD.
Carefully cut out the templates then glue them to
a piece of freezer paper ( top, non waxy side.)
Cut out the templates on the seam line.......
Avoid jagged edges as it will help you shape your piece.
Mark your placement of the applique placement.
Cut out your fabric piece a scant 1/4 inch larger.
( May need to trim this smaller, closer to 1/8th inch, after turning
under.) Sylvia recommends a light spray and press using SIZING.
This will help control the fabric and make it easier to work with.
Use your freezer paper template to shape your
applique piece turning the fabric under the template. Waxy side of the
template to the wrong side of the fabric. Press the applique piece then
turn the seam allowance under the template. Press inner
point first then bring the bulk of the seam allowance around any curves.
Shape your piece to look like the template.
Place your applique on top of your markings then
stitch down using tiny stitches. ( To be continued.....)
Better hand positioning for stitching applique. (for right hand sewers) You will note the thumb on the applique holding the piece being sewn firmly in place.
Reference books:
Rodale's Quilting Library: Applique Made Easy,
Favorite Techniques from the Experts,
Play with Applique by Dilys A Fronks,
New Applique Sampler by Piece O' Cake Way.
Before you ask:
Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake:
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
2-1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup Shortening ( use the trans fat free Crisco)
3/4 cup milk ( buttermilk ) 2 cups fresh or frozen
blueberries
one egg
Preheat 375 degrees… Grease a 9x9 pan ( or spring form
best)
Cream egg / shortening and milk…Blend dry ingredients
then add to creamed wet ingredients.
Carefully fold in blueberries… put into greased pan.
Tope with crumb topping. Back 50 minutes…. Drizzle with Glaze … serve warm.
Crumb Topping:
1/2c sugar … 1/3 cup flour…. ¼ cup butter (soft) 1/2
tsp cinnamon
